Blog, Journalism, Teaching, Writing

The Snow-Covered Editor-Writer Relationship

This weekend, my mom got on me about not shoveling the snow off my driveway after the Midwest was pummeled with 12 inches of winter wonderland-ness. My response? “We have 4-wheel drive. Why do we need to shovel?” I’ll spare you with the ‘you should think of others’ lecture I received after she tried to… Continue reading The Snow-Covered Editor-Writer Relationship

Blog, Journalism, Teaching, Writing

Editors Fix. Coaches Build.

In almost every newsroom – student or professional – the animosity between copy editors and writers is often strained. Copy editors profess about commas and fragments passionately. Writers hold onto their text as if someone is trying to rob every ounce of their being. Both parties have legitimate concerns. However, when treacherous debates occur, honestly, they defeat the purpose of what both parties are trying to accomplish – producing better copy. Suggestions are misconstrued as personal attacks. Personal attacks question each person’s character, strain efforts and diminish talents. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com

Blog, Journalism, Teaching

Teaching the Teacher

One of the most exciting aspects of teaching is the fact that I don’t always have to teach. I’m not referring to the summer breaks but rather those teaching moments where the students teach the teacher. I specifically chose a career in higher education because I want to be a lifelong learner. I want to learn just as much from my students as they learn from me. It’s a partnership – a coaching relationship – and it’s the best job I’ve ever had. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com